Cranberry Gin Fizz: A Festive Take on a Bubbly Classic

If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s both elegant and festive, the Cranberry Gin Fizz is it. A sparkling riff on the traditional gin fizz, this version layers the bright tartness of cranberry with botanical gin and citrus for a drink that’s refreshing, colorful, and perfect for the holiday season. With its rosy hue, light foam cap, and effervescent finish, it’s a showstopper that feels equally at home at a cozy winter dinner or a lively Christmas party.

The fizz is one of the oldest cocktail families, dating back to the late 1800s, and has always been prized for its combination of spirit, citrus, sugar, and soda. The cranberry twist adds seasonal vibrancy without losing the light, sparkling nature of the original.

---

Quick Facts: Cranberry Gin Fizz

Method: shaken and topped with soda
Flavor profile: tart, botanical, citrusy, effervescent
How to serve it: over ice or up in a tall fizz glass
Glassware: highball or Collins glass
Alcohol content: ~12–14% ABV, ~13–16 grams alcohol per serving

---

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin (London Dry or citrus-forward recommended)
• 1 oz cranberry juice (100% juice for tartness, cocktail for sweeter style)
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 egg white (optional, for silky texture and foam cap)
• 2–3 oz soda water
• Garnish: cranberries, rosemary sprig, or lemon wheel
• Ice (cubed)

---

Ingredient Notes

Gin:

• A London Dry gin (like Beefeater or Tanqueray) makes the cranberry shine.
• A citrus-forward gin (like Malfy con Limone) amplifies brightness.
• For something more complex, a botanical gin like Hendrick’s adds depth.

Cranberry Juice:

• Pure cranberry = tart and bold, works well with egg white for balance.
• Cranberry cocktail = softer, fruitier, reduce syrup if using.

Egg White:
Optional, but it creates a luxurious foam and transforms the fizz into a silky showpiece. For a vegan option, use aquafaba (chickpea brine).

Soda Water:
Adds the signature fizz—always use fresh, cold, highly carbonated water.

---

Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer (Hawthorne + fine mesh if using egg white)
• Highball or Collins glass
• Bar spoon
• Citrus juicer

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dry shake (if using egg white).
Add gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, syrup, and egg white into shaker without ice. Shake hard for 10–15 seconds.

2. Add ice and shake again.
Fill shaker with ice, then shake vigorously until well chilled.

3. Strain into glass.
Strain into a chilled highball glass, either over ice or without (traditional fizz style).

4. Top with soda.
Slowly add soda water—about 2–3 oz—letting the foam rise naturally.

5. Garnish.
Add skewered cranberries, a lemon wheel, or a sprig of rosemary.

---

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Cranberry Gin Fizz is light, lively, and festive:

• First sip: Tart cranberry and lemon brightness
• Mid-palate: Gin’s botanicals shine through, supported by subtle sweetness
• Finish: Refreshing bubbles with a lingering fruity tang

Mouthfeel: Crisp and effervescent without egg white; creamy, smooth, and luscious with it.

---

Garnishing and Presentation

Glassware:

• Collins or highball glass for the classic tall fizz look
• Coupe for a more elegant, up-style presentation

Garnish ideas:

• Fresh cranberries floating on the foam
• Rosemary sprig for a wintry, aromatic accent
• Dehydrated citrus wheel for modern flair
• Sugared cranberries on a pick for sparkle

Pro tip: For maximum foam stability, pour soda down the side of the glass instead of directly into the center.

---

Pairing Suggestions

This cocktail is light and refreshing, making it versatile with food:

Savory:

• Oysters or shrimp cocktail
• Goat cheese crostini with cranberry chutney
• Roast chicken or turkey with herbs
• Charcuterie with prosciutto and brie

Sweet:

• Lemon tart
• Cranberry-orange loaf
• Vanilla panna cotta
• Shortbread cookies

---

Cocktail History and Trivia

The Gin Fizz was first popularized in the late 19th century, especially in New Orleans, where variations like the Ramos Gin Fizz became iconic. Traditionally made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda, it was prized for its refreshing character.

The cranberry twist is a modern seasonal adaptation, likely emerging from the 21st-century trend of incorporating holiday flavors into classic cocktails. Its jewel-red hue makes it especially beloved for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

---

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cranberry Gin Fizz:

• At Christmas brunch alongside pastries and fruit
• As a holiday welcome drink, served tall and fizzy in highballs
• For New Year’s Eve, as a lighter alternative to champagne cocktails
• During cocktail hour, paired with seafood and cheeses

Batching tip (for 6 servings):

• 12 oz gin
• 6 oz cranberry juice
• 4½ oz lemon juice
• 3 oz simple syrup
  Shake base ahead of time (with aquafaba instead of egg whites if batching). Pour into glasses and top with soda individually.

---

Alcohol Content and Alternatives

At ~12–14% ABV, the Cranberry Gin Fizz is moderate, making it easy to sip through an evening.

To lower alcohol:

• Reduce gin to 1½ oz
• Increase cranberry juice or soda water

Non-alcoholic version:

• Replace gin with non-alcoholic gin (e.g., Seedlip Grove 42) or sparkling water
• Keep cranberry juice, lemon, and syrup the same
• Top with soda for a festive mocktail

Other variations:

• Cranberry French 75 Fizz: Use champagne instead of soda
• Spiced Cranberry Fizz: Add cinnamon syrup instead of simple syrup
• Cranberry Gin Smash Fizz: Muddle cranberries and rosemary before shaking

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to use egg white?
No—it’s optional. Without it, the drink is crisp and refreshing; with it, you get a foamy, creamy top.

Can I use cranberry cocktail instead of pure juice?
Yes—just reduce or omit the simple syrup to avoid over-sweetening.

What’s the difference between a Fizz and a Collins?
A Collins is generally built over ice and topped with soda; a Fizz is shaken and then topped with soda, often served without ice.

How long will the foam last?
About 5–10 minutes with egg white, longer if using aquafaba. Serve immediately for best effect.

---

---

Conclusion

The Cranberry Gin Fizz is a seasonal cocktail that captures the spirit of celebration—bright, tart, fizzy, and elegantly festive. It takes the timeless fizz template and dresses it up in holiday colors, making it an ideal drink for winter entertaining.